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    Folsom Lake State Recreation Area

    3.4 (188 reviews)

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    View halfway to the water
    Melissa S.

    The entrance fee is $12 and you can use it any of the parks for the day. We just went to the one park, but drove by other entrances on our way out. We entered in through Granite Bay. My husband has never spent time in Granite Bay and wanted to check it out. We went to Granite Bay's Main Beach. Wow!!! The water is so low. We had to hike to get out to it. There were a few people at the water's edge with us. The one party brough there whole picnic with them. It made me jealous that we didn't bring any food or drinks. We had snacks in the car and water, but it was no feast like they had. Just a note, there snack shack is closed for the season and will open back in March. I'm not surprised, but I still would have liked to gotten lunch there. After we spent a bit around the lake we went back to our car for a drive around the lake. There are so many alcoves and other views of the lake we saw during our drive. My husband said it reminded him of Tahoe, without the expense and long drive. It's very scenic and we took a great picture of the two of us with the trees in the background.

    Molly L.

    Great spot for hiking locally and has some pretty challenging inclines! We went on a weekend when it was pretty cold, so it wasn't as busy as it would be in summer. A few things to note: great for dogs, but a lot of people had their dogs off leash, and some of them had no recall or training. FYI if your dog is spooked by other dogs approaching it. Great for cyclists and apparently lots of dirt bikes! Most of them were pretty awesome making themselves heard and sharing the trail so we could move over. The trail conditions are good but some parts are very rocky. Wouldn't recommend basic walking shoes or sandals, definitely trail shoes or trail runners. Bathrooms in the parking lot are available even off season but they don't seem to be maintained as often.

    Eric C.

    NAHHH BRO W PLACE!! I CAUGHT MY FIRST KEEPER HERE... man caught my personal best of 16inches. large mouth bass. absolutely great place to fish bro. and the water is hella clean too compared to sac river dirty as hell. but man we caught fish, went boating, swimming, and all that. nah bro but the fish here are so fire n there r a huge variety. my cousin even got a catfish bro. and the guy in the lil service area before we docked the boat even said that the water a lil low but we still caught shi bro. oh yeah i gotta mention, the dude at the service area looked hella faded lmao. dude was literally in another dimension.

    Rob S.

    There's so much to like about Folsom Lake right now. The water capacity is sitting at 113% as of 3 days ago, which is the fullest I've ever seen the lake. It was great for floating and chilling in the water with friends. I have many fond memories of Folsom Lake at all levels. The lupine super bloom of 2021 at Beeks Bight, the ever popular Beal's Point, hiking to Avery's Pond and Oregon Bar and accessing the lake area behind William Cavitt Jr. High (accessible before and after school hours). The snowmelt coming down from the mountains paired with the heat makes this one of the best spots to beat the heat in Sac. Just make sure you visit before August before the water gets murky if you're planning on getting into the water during your visit. And watch out for rattlesnakes!

    Gregg R.

    Folsom Lake SRS encompasses quite a few locations across Folsom lake that covers a lot of activities such as hiking, camping, boating and swimming. My experience has primarily been around the campsites at Beals point and Peninsula campground. Located near a major metropolitan area, the level of access to civilization does vary depending on location. Camping at Beals point, you are pretty close to civilization with easy and quick access to stores. Raleys and Dutch bros are five minutes away and so you are really close to all those types of amenities and the related noise. On the other hand Peninsula campground is quite the opposite. A treacherous drive and quite a long distance from the closest store. Both of the sites have their positives and it really depends on how separated from civilization you want to be. Both of access to good beaches but it seems like peninsula is usually less busy but I've only really visited it during off season. Another thing to keep in mind is that the lake level plays a major role in the activities available and how close you might find yourself to the beach. Drought and the collection of driftwood really changes the environment. Regardless I really love visiting Folsom lake and camping out here really gives a different experience from the other types of camping ive done.

    Vince Y.

    I had a chance to hang out with a buddy and we decided to hang out here for a couple hours as he had a yearly pass. We parked and took a long walk in as he wanted to find deeper water to do some fishing. Well, due to the rains it was shallow in most areas. He gave up after not finding water that was deep enough. We did bring some food we bought and enjoyed it with the beautiful views. I believe a daily pass is $12 which is a bit hefty if you visit often. It was very sparse and just a handful of people there on a Tuesday afternoon. This was a nice lake and area to walk, hike and if the lake was higher, do some swimming, boating or other watersports.

    "After the Storm comes a Calm"

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    6 months ago

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    8 months ago

    No shade not a pleasant Park to take your family mud crowded dirty please don't go there

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    6 months ago

    Great location. Beautiful and great hiking. State park rangers extremely helpful. Highly recommend.

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    1 year ago

    Nice area for picnic and boat dock We went hiking a little bit to see the blue pine the front gate attendant was friendly

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    1 year ago

    Best place for beers and and sando. Girls are so friendly. This place is the best. Nachos are amazing!

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    Page 1 of 5

    Ask the Community - Folsom Lake State Recreation Area

    Where is the dog friendly swimming area?

    Leashed dogs are allowed almost everywhere in this park except on the main beaches (there will be signs posted)

    Are the paddle boards available for rental?

    I have not seen places to rent paddle boards. We bring our own! Happy Fourth of July to you!

    Are there jet ski rentals available?

    How do you get to Granite Bay. Not familiar with this beach, but will be coming from Sacramento area. Looking for a nice safe place for kids to swim. Can you BBQ close to water?

    It's near Roseville and Folsom. You can take 80 or 50 up Auburn-Folsom Blvd

    Which area is nicer, Beals Point or Granite Bay, for swimming?

    Victoria - I highly recommend Granite Bay or the opposite side of Beals Point beach, across the parking lot. Please keep in mind, there are no lifeguards or services on this side of the parking lot but the water is very clear. Beals Point beach is… Read more

    Is this a dog friendly place?

    Yes. Be sure to have your dog on a leash. There are a lot of stimuli at the lake and very few dogs have solid recall to work with these distractions. And with horses, bicycles, joggers and other dogs, it can be disastrous if you don't have 100%… Read more

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    Review Highlights - Folsom Lake State Recreation Area

    With this drought, the walk is about a 15-25 minute walk from the parking lot to the left of the campsite.

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    Handy Family Park

    Handy Family Park

    4.5
    (12 reviews)
    4.8 mi

    Adj: Hilltop Handy Family Park with a Happy View…read more This is one of Folsom's hidden gems in our books. We visit Folsom to meet friends and to explore and do nature-type activities as well as shopping and discovered Handy Family Park on one occasion. Handy Family Park is apparently one of Folsom's most elevated parks. Set on a hilltop, it's a lovely neighborhood park. Though it's smaller compared to regional parks, it's actually pretty big, it's just that it's atop a hill so not all of the space is usable for sports courts, but all of it is scenic and most of it is recreational space. You can reach this park by taking the E. Bidwell exit on Hwy 50, and then it's a really quick drive past the Costco and the In-N-Out, then take Scholar Way, and it's at 1560 Cavitt Dr. You can't walk directly into the park from the parking lot b/c you have to go UP to the top of the "hill", so you can either take the stairs or there's a longer path/ramp for ADA accessibility. Thankfully, the bathrooms are at the start of the park/bottom of the stairs so those who need to use the restrooms can get to them without going into the park. Once you climb up, you're rewarded with an amazing overlook of several neighborhoods and the rolling hills of Folsom. I've only been here in the daytime, but I imagine that it'd be extra beautiful after dark when the lights shine and sparkle all over for a night view. The park offers a lighted baseball field, a huge soccer field, a basketball court, open fields for free recreation, and multiple walking pathways that wind around for a nice stroll throughout the park while you get a nice panoramic view no matter which way you look. In addition to the amenities above, there's a barbecue with a couple of picnic tables under a covered pavilion at the edge of the hilltop so it's really a nice place for a picnic or little party. There's also a couple of kids play structure (one for bigger kids and one for the littles). My kids enjoyed playing here and running around when they were younger, but we still like coming here whenever we're in Folsom b/c Handy Family Park got such a scenic view and it's usually not too crowded. It is always a great place to bring our own picnic and hang out as a family in "nature" not too far from all the conveniences of civilization.

    Do not come to this park after dark, because there are RATS in every place you step! They tend to…read morebe under the bid blue shaded tables! The RATS will also be in the big blue garbage cans! (WARNING they love In-Out French fries!) Good park during the daytime!

    Photos
    You can walk all around the park on paved walkways.
    You can walk all around the park on paved walkways.
    Here's the ADA ramp for coming up to Handy Family Park.
    Here's the ADA ramp for coming up to Handy Family Park.
    Handy Family Park

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    Black Miners Bar

    Black Miners Bar

    4.5
    (112 reviews)
    2.8 mi

    Hours: 6 AM-9 PM daily Entrance/Parking Fee: $10…read moreKayak/Paddle Board Rental Hours: 9 AM-6 PM weekends https://www.lakenatomapaddlerentals.com/ Solos: 1st hr $20, each hr after $15 Tandem (2 people): 1st hr $30, each hr after $20 I had a very hard time finding info about this lovely spot, so there you go. Hope it helps! Entrance is accessible from Greenback Ln with $10 fee required per vehicle. 2 Parking lots available - 1 closer to boat launch area and another further lot that's more convenient for picnic areas and tables. Plenty of tables and area for lots of families to enjoy some water festivities! Have a big party or just want to lock down a few tables? Highly advise to come early. If you just need some space to place your mats down, it should be just fine. Incredible trails alongside the water for walking, jogging, and bike riding. Dogs are welcome but just make sure you pick up after them (I noticed a good number of dog poop near the water edge). Want to take a dip? Feel free! Quite cold but more than welcome to. Biggest reason why we came here? To see how the Kayak Rental system worked. Scan the QR code or visit the site to book your rentals and sign waivers. I was told they rented daily by a worker (young ones) but their online reservations just show weekends and random Wednesdays.. so good luck. Honestly Rental prices are higher than another spot we've been to, but this spot was much closer to home and easier to access. Price for convenience! We didn't go kayaking on this particular day but definitely plan to return with our own paddle board/Kayaks since it just makes sense to invest and go whenever we want versus rent a few kayaks with high rental feels. Who wants to return within 1 hr?! No way, you gotta stay out in the midst of nature for at LEAST a few hours! Pathway Tip: Walking or jogging? Stay on your left. Biking? Stay on your right. Standard Placer County rules. Great spot for families whether you want to picnic, swim, paddleboard, kayak, go for a nice walk, jog, or bike along gorgeous river waters scenery. Have fun!!

    Went out to Black Miners Ravine to get on the paddleboard and just decompress a little. This time…read moreof year out there is hard to beat... good vibes, calm water, and a chance to shut the brain off for a bit. Nothing super exciting in this review, just one of those peaceful days you appreciate more as you get older lol. Now fair warning... that water is COLD cold when you first step in but once you're out there it's worth it. Even the ducks were just cruising around being friendly and minding their business. Sometimes you don't need much, just a board, some fresh air, and a little quiet.

    Photos
    It's tranquil on the lake no matter who's around. Best $125/yr gym/bar, ever. Go alone or go with friends. Poppy Pass - buy one.
    It's tranquil on the lake no matter who's around. Best $125/yr gym/bar, ever. Go alone or go with friends. Poppy Pass - buy one.
    Black Miners Bar
    Black Miners Bar

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    Livermore Community Park

    Livermore Community Park

    4.5
    (17 reviews)
    4.6 mi

    I'll put it at top of review but not a fan of the challenge system they have in place at Pickleball…read morecourts with no posted rules. Even at 8:15-8:30 PM on a weekday you can't see play more than one game before people start going up to you saying you can't stay on the court for yourself winner stays. Then they queue up and all and I watched someone just finish a game and queue but we were waiting a lot longer and there were complaints by not even the queue people who let us go ahead of them because some people were calling us out and getting upset that we didn't put our paddles in the board. Good (12) Pickleball Courts but they have exploded in popularity and you have to wait a long time or play later and later now. If it was just me, I'd wait later to play or go on off hours but friends rather go at certain times. Folsom should build more.

    My fiancé, my daughter and I decided to check out this amazing park before heading to work one…read moremorning. And I must say this is quite the park, from the beach volleyball courts, to the large sand box with a large playground, with a zip-line, slides, swings and all! I would highly recommend visiting this local park, we'll definitely be back and will be bringing my volleyballs I passed down to my daughter from my days of playing volleyball in school! Any parent and child are sure to have fun at this park, just take a look at the little tour I put in the videos!

    Photos
    Pitch and Catch
    Pitch and Catch
    Grassy area
    Grassy area
    Nick Andreotti at football practice with the Jr. Bulldogs   @idarrenclark

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    Nick Andreotti at football practice with the Jr. Bulldogs @idarrenclark

    Folsom Lake State Recreation Area - lakes - Updated June 2026

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